Printing-machine.



.E. E. S'IRAWN! PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 23 I917- L3Q5-A91 Patented Dec. 16, 1919.

I0 SHEETS-SHEET I.

E. E. STRAWN.

PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 1uL Y 2a. 1911.

Patented Dec. 16, 1919.

10 SHEETSSHEET 2.

E. E. STRAWN.

PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 23.1917.

S r I i I W I WW Putented Dec. 16,1919.

E. E. STRAWN.

PRlNTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 23.1917.

Patented Dec. 16, 1919.

I0 SHEET$SHEET 5.

E.E. STRAWN. mmme MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 23.1917- 1,325,491 Patented Dec. 16,1919.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 6- Java/41f 0 r E. E. STRAWN.

PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLlCATION FILED JULY 23.1911.

Patented Dec. 16,1919.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 7- @iW W omw E. E. STRAWN.

PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION mu) JULY 23. 1911.

Patented Dec. 16, 1919.

10 SHEETSSHEET 8.

QM mm wv mw 1T3 Patented Dec. 16,1919.

I0 SHEETSSHEET 9.

E. E. STRAWN.

PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 23.1912.

E. E. STRAWN.

PRINTING MACHINE.v

APPLICATION FILED, JULY 23 1917.

Patented Dec. 16, 1919.

I veruor Envm E. s'rnAwN, or DES MOINES, IOWA.

PRINTING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 16, 1919.

Application filed July 23, 1917 Serial No. 182,165.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ERv-IN E. STRAWN, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Des Moines, in the county of Polk and State of Iowa, have invented a certain new and useful Printing-Machine, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a printing ma chine adapted to print addresses and salutations from address carrying devices on form letters and the like, and to print addresses only from said devices on envelops, wrappers or the like.

The object of my invention is to provide a machine of the general type mentioned, having a mechanism for printing the body of a letter and having a plurality of address carrying devices with suitable magazines therefor, and having means for successively carrying the address carrying devices from one magazine to printing position, and from thence back to the other magazine.

Still a further object is to provide such a machine having its operating parts so constructed and arranged that the address carrying devices may be handled. so'that they may be readily and easily removed from the receiving magazine to the feedmagazine,

and for maintaining them in the sam tive position during successive operations of the machine in the employment of the entire number of address carrying devices.

Still a further object isto provide in such a machine means for moving the address carrying devices to a suitable lease, and setting them successively thereon in immediate proximity to the printing type used for making the body of the letter, during the operation of printing a letter.

Still a further object is to provide in such a machine means for holding envelops, wrappers or the like.

Still a further object is to provide in such a machine such envelop or wrapper holding means, together with a plurality of address carrying devices, said address carrying devices having also thereon in each case a salutatlon, and toprovide means whereby said address carrying means can be moved to printing position adjacent to type used for printing the body of a-letter for permitting the address and Salutation to be printed as part of the letter, which machine also has means for moving envelops or wrappers or the like to position for printing, when said address carrying means are selectively in their last described position, in such manner as to print on said envelops or wrappers only a the address and not the salutation.

on a corresponding address may be prepared.

With these and other objects in View my invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims,

and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of the machine, the envelop holding and handling mechanism not being shown.

Fig. 2 shows a side elevation of the machine, the envelop holding and handling mechanism being shown thereon.

- Fig. 3 shows a vertical, longitudinal, sectional view of the machine.

Fig. 4: shows a side elevation partly in section of the magazines for holding address plates and part of the mechanism for handling the address carrying devices. taken from the right-hand side of the machine.

Fig. 5 shows a side elevation of the said magazines and part of said mechanism, taken from the opposite direction from that in which Fig. 4 is taken.

Fig. 6 shows a front elevation of the magazines and mechanism for holding and handling the address-carrying devices, parts of the main frame being shown in transverse section.

Fig. 7 shows a rear elevation of the same, no showing being made of the frame.

Fig. 8 shows a detail, sectional View of one shaft 16.

of the locking devices for holding magazines for the address carrying devices or address plates inupright position.

Fig. 9 shows a top or plan View of the part of the device shown in Fig. 7

Fig. 10, shows a detail, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 1010 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 11 shows a detail, sectional view taken on t e line 11.1 o Fig. 6.

Fig. 12 shows a vertical, sectional view taken on the line 1212 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 13 shows a sectional view taken on the line 1313 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of one of the address plates.

Fig. 15 shows a top or plan view of the envelop holding and handling mechanism.

Fig. 16 shows an enlarged, detail, sectional view taken on the line 1616- of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 shows an enlarged, detail, sectional view taken on the line 1717 of Fig. 15, showing part of the envelop mechanism in a different position from that illustrated in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a vertical, transverse, sectional view of the envelop holding and handling mechanism taken on the line 1818 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 19 is a transverse, vertical, sectional view taken on the line 1919 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 20 shows a top or plan View of an address plate.

Fig. 21 shows a top or plan view of a portion of one of the spring arms for removing the plates from the support, which forms a printing bed for the plates, when said plates are in printing position. I

Fig. 22 shows a side elevation of the same taken from the inside of the machine.

Fig. 23 shows a detail view of part of the mechanism for adjusting the envelop magazines, and

Fig. 24 shows a detail view of a modified form of part of the mechanism for bring- Ilug the plates to proper position on the press My improved machine includes a main or supporting frame 10, of suitable size and shape and having suitable members for properly supporting the mechanism hereinafter described.

Suitably mounted on the frame, near what I shall call the forward end thereof, is a prime mover such for instance as the motor 11, having a motor shaft 12, on which is a worm 13 in mesh with a worm gear 14 on a sleeve 15 on a transverse shaft 16.

On the sleeve 15 is mounted a friction clutch device member 17 adapted to coact with a friction clutch device member 18 fixed to the shaft 16. 1

On the shaft 16 is a gear 19in mesh with a gear 20 on a shaft 21, transversely mounted in the machine preferably above the On the shaft 21 is a gear 22, meshing with a gear 23 on a third shaft 24.

On the shaft 24 is a gear 25 which meshes with a gear 26 on the shaft 27. The gear 26 hereinbefre described, in themselves form no part of my present invention.

'It maybe mentioned incidentally that the gearing devices 32, 33,. 34, and 35, shown 111 Fig. 2, are used for operating the printing mechanism, not herein shown or described, which maybe of the type shown in my Patent Number 1,076,613, issued October 21, 1913 or other mechanism as may be desired.

On the upper forward part of the supporting frame is mounted a track or the like 36, comprising spaced members, as shown In Figs. 1, 2, and. 6, in substantially the angle iron form, shown in Fig. 6.

WVhenthe machine is used for printing form letters, there is mounted on the. track 36 a carriage 37 for carrying the platen or roller 38, shown by dotted lines in Fig. 6, for pressing the paper against the address plates hereinafter mentioned. The carriage 37 is adapted to travel on the track 36 and is operated by means of a link 39, a lever 40, pivoted to the main frame and to said link 39, a pitman 41 pivoted to the lever 40, and an arm 42 on the shaft 21 pivoted to the pitman 41.

The track 36 and the roller carried thereby in and of themselves alone form nopart of my present invention.

Mounted on the auxiliary frame 50 near the rear portion thereof are spaced brackets 43 and 44.

I provide a feed magazine 45 for the address plates hereinafter more fully referred to, comprising. a forwardly opening channel pivoted at its back and between its ends to the bracket 44, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

Mounted on the rear of each feed magazine is a boss 46 from which projects a pin 47 having a shoulder 48 which parts are shown in Figs. 5 and 8.

Mounted on the bracket 44 is a stud 49 having in its lower portion'a slot 51.

Pivoted on the stud 49 is a bell crank lever 52, one arm of which extends into the slot 51.

Secured to the other arm of the bell crank lever 52 is a coil spring 53, the main body in the When it is desired to release the feed magazine for permitting it to tilt, the operator presses the outstanding arm of the lever 52 toward said stud 49, thereby pressing the spring 53 and moving the lower arm of the bell crank lever 52 away from the pin 47 and out of engagement with the shoulder 49, whereupon the magazine may be properly tilted.

Pivotally supported upon the bracket 43 by similar mechanism to that which supports the magazine 45 is a receiving magazine 56. A-lock device similar to that already described is employed for locking the receiving magazine 56 in its upright position.

The general shape of the feed and receiving magazine is the same, the only diflerence in construction being at the lower ends thereof.

The main frame is designed to support what might be called a chase 57, which receives a form of type 58 for printing a circular letter or the like. (Fig. 12.)

The address plate holding and handling mechanism is mounted upon the auxiliary frame 50, shown in part in Fig. 3. V

The auxiliary frame 50 has portions sliding in guides 59 on the main frame and illustrated in said figure.

The auxiliary frame 50 slides laterally and is operated by means of a member 60 rotatably but non-slidably mounted in the auxiliary frame and designed to be screwed into a screw-threaded socket 61 forming part of the main frame. The screw 60 has a hand wheel 62, whereby it may be manipulated.

.The shaft 31 slides with the auxiliary frame 50 but the gear 30 does not slide with relation to the fixed frame, and is mounted to permit the endwise movement of the shaft 31.

On the auxiliary frame 50 is a support or press bed 63 designed to stand adjacent to the chase 58 when the parts for operation.

One purpose in making the auxiliary frame 50 laterally adjustable on the main frame, is to adjust the support 63 for the address plates laterally with relation to the type form 58 for regulating the position where the addre s is printed on the form letter, and thereby regulating the margin on the letter adjacent to the address.

In Fig. 12 I have shown resting on the are in position support 63 one of the address plates Each-address plate 64 comprises a flat plate illustrated in Fig. 14 having what may be called at its edge a flange 65 extending at right-angles to the body of the plate 64. Each plate has at its ends tubular members 66 preferably rectangular. in cross section and terminating the plate.

It may be mentioned that the sectional view shown in Fig. 12 shows the parts as viewed from the left-hand side of the machine.

short of the front edge of each feed and receiving magazine is a laterally extendmg flange 67 (see Figs. 5 and 9). tend toward each other, as shown in Fig. 9.

At the lower end of the feed magazine 45 At the front edge of each side wall of' The flanges 67 of each magazine exthe flanges 67 have notches 68, as shown in Fig. 6, permitting the address plates to slide forwardly out of the magazine.

Pivoted to the side of the magazine 45 is an arm 69, shown in Fig. 6, projecting forwardly and into position in front of the magazine 45 so as to engage and rest upon the address plates 64 as said plates are shoved forwardly out of-the feed magazine.

Suitably mounted on the auxiliary frame 50 is a shaft 70, on which is mounted an arm 71 normally extending upwardly and terminating just rearwardly of the lower end of the feed magazine 45.

On the upper end of the arm 71 is a pair of spaced address plate engaging fingers 72.

At the bottom of each side wall of the feed magazine is an inturned flange 7 3, which flanges 7 3 support the tubular members 66 .on the bottom one of a tier or Stack of address plates 64.

Fixed to the shaft 31 is an eccentric 74 having a round periphery on which is mounted a band 75 fixed to an arm 7 6, which arm 7 6 is pivoted to the arm 71.

As the shaft 31 rotates, the arm 71 reciprocates. As the arm 71 moves upwardly and forwardly in the machine, the fingers 72 pass tl'irough suitable slots in the back of the feed magazine and engage the tubular ends of the address plate in the magazine.

The address plates are arranged in a tier in the magazine with the tubular members down and the flange 65 to the rear. When the plates move forwardly impelled by the fingers 72, the arm 69 engages the plate and prevents the plates from being thrown out over the member 83., hereinafter mentioned.

Below the feed magazine is a transverse guide 77 in which travels a bar 78. Above the slide bar 7 8 is a transverse frame'member 79 having in its upper surface a longi- Carried by the slide bar 78 is a transversely slidable bar 81, which travels above the frame/member 79, as illustrated in Fig. 12, having at its left-hand end a projecting shoulder 82, shown in Fig. 5.

Above the bar 81 just in front of the feed magazine is an upwardly extending stop member 8?) arranged to engage theforward end of the address plate as the plate is pushed forwardly by the fingers 72.

The par s are so arranged that as the address plate is pushed forwardly from the feed magazine, its forward edge rests above the edge. of the slidable member 81 until the rearward edge of the address plate leaves the feed magazine. whereupon the rearward edge of the address plate drops downwardly into the notch 80 with one end of the address plate in position to be engaged by the shoulder 82 when the slide bar 78 is reciprocated.

Above the slidable member 81, but terminating considerably short of the feed magazine, is a frameand guide men'iber 84, shown in Fig. 12. \VlllCll, .'f tflfl(!tll(l' with the members 79 and 81. forms 21'' channel in which the address plates may travel laterally in the machine. 'As will be seen the surface of the frame member 85 and the members 79 and 81. which form part of said channel, are inclined upwardly'and laterally in the machine, so that when said address plates are in the channel they are horizontal from end to end, but are arranged with the flange at their lower edge, and with the plate 64 inclined upwardly and toward the front of the machine.

The generalshape of the channel. in which the plates travel. is clearly shown in Fig. 12.

The member 81 is provided with a plurality of stop devices 86 projecting into the channel just described, having their edges adjacent to the feed magazine beveled, as shown in Fig. 13, and their edges farthest from the feed magazine vertical, as shown in said figure.

The portions of said stop devices, which project into the channel. as shown in Fig. 13.'are triangular in outline.

Pivoted to the frame member 85 is a plurality of arms 87 having wedge-shaped head 88. projecting into the upper portion of the channel above described. The edges of said heads 88 adjacent to the feed magazine are beveled and their edges .farthest removed from the" feed magazine are substantially vertical, as shown in Fig. 13.

For reciprocating the bar 78 and the frame members 79 and 81, the following means is provided:

On the shaft 31 is a beveled gear 88*, in mesh with a beveled gear 89 on a short shaft 90, suitably mounted on the frame of the machine at right-angles to the shaft 31. On

the shaft 90 is an eccentric 91, on which is a band 92.

Suitably mounted on the frame of the machine is another short shaft 93, on which isan arm 94. An arm 95 fixed to the band 92 is pivoted to the arm M. The parts just described are so arranged that as the shaft 31 is rotated, rotation is imparted to the shaft 90 and the eccentric 91. thereby reciprocating the arm 95. and through the arm SH imparting a rocking motion-to the shaft 93 On the shaft 93 is an arm 96 extending upwardly and pivoted to a link 97 which in turn is pivotally mounted on a pin 98 on the slide bar '78, as shown in Fig. 10.

The rocking of the shaft 93 imparts reciprocating sliding movement to the slide bar 78.

After one of the address plates has dropped into the channel therefor, when the slide bar 78 is at the left-hand limit of its motion, the shoulder 82 engages the address plate. and carries the address plate with the sliding member 81 laterally in the machine toward the right-hand side thereof. It will be understood that the sliding member 81 is supported on the slide bar 78 by means of brackets 78.

'hen the sliding member 81 starts on its return movement one of the heads 88 engages the address plate and prevents its rearward movement. The plate simply slides over the members 86, during what may be called the return movement of the sliding member 81. Upon the second movement of the sliding member toward the right, one of the members 86 engages the first plate in the channel as illustrated in Fig. 13, and carries it farther toward the'right.

At the right end of the channel. above described, is a block 99 having an 'upper' surface inclined upwardly and forwardly in the machine upon which. the address plate is pushed. At the lower surface of said upper surface is an upwardly extending shoulder or filler member 100, and above said upper surface and spaced therefrom is a cover member or channel member 101. The width of the block is the same as the length of the address plates between the tubular members 66.

On the frame of the machine is suitably mounted a transversely arranged shaft 102, mounted on which is a sleeve 103, on the ends of which are curved arms 104:, each in its lower position extending normally downwardly and learwardly in the machine, and thence upwardly as at 104. (See Fig. 4.)

Secured to the upper end of "each portion 104 of each arm 104 is a finger 105 extending upwardly -and toward the support or printing bed v63 for the address plates. as illustrated in Fig. 4. The upper surface of each finger 105 is provided with ashoulder 106, projecting upwardly from which, parallel with the upper portion of the finger, isa pin or the like 107. In the lowered position of the arm 104, the upper ends of the fingers stand in such position as to be just below the tubular members 66 of the address plates, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

()n the shaft 31 is a cam 108. Pivoted between its ends at 109, on the frame of the machine is a lever 110. Pivoted to one end of the lever 110 is a link 111, which is in turn also pivoted to the downwardly extending portion of one of the arms 104. On the opposite end of the lever 110 is a roller 112 engaging the cam 108. The cam 108 has a portion 113 on its surface arranged for a considerable distance on the arc of a true circle centered at the center of the shaft 31 for allowing rotation of the shaft 31 without imparting any motion to the lever 110, while the arm 104 is at its lower position of movement and in order to allow sufficient time for one of the address plates to move on to the block 99.

The cam 108 is so arranged that as the shaft 31 rotates, a portion of the cam engages the roller 112 thereby operating the lever 110 for swinging the arm 104 upwardly thereby causing the fingers 105 to slide upwardly beneath the tubular portions 66.0f the address plate, and causing the pins 107 to enter said tubular portions.

The continuous movement of the arms 104 carries the address plate upwardly to position resting upon the printing bed 6:. The cam 108 has another surface 114 arranged on the arc of a circle similar to that already described, but of greater diameter for holding the arms 104 in their raised position for a considerable portion of one rotation of the shaft 31, for holding the address plate on the press bed 63 during the printing operation.

A means is provided to cotiperate with the arms 105 in holding the address plates properly posltioned above the press bed 63,

and for removing the address plates from the press bed 63 when the arms 105 move downwardly away from the press bed, said means comprising arms 115 pivoted on opposite sides of the support for the press bed, as illustrated'in Figs. 5 and 4. These As the fingers 105 move upwardly, the address plate moves to such position that the engaging members 117 enterthe ends of the tubular members 66. Said tubular members engage the lower beveled edges of the members 117, whereby the address plates are drawn snugly downwardly to fit smoothly and snugly against the upper surface of the press bed.

It will be understood that the movement of the fingers 105, and the address plate carried thereby, moves the arms 115 forwardly in the machine, after the members 117 enter the tubular portions 66, to the position illustrated in Fig. 12.

It will be understood in this connection that the press bed 63 is of such width from side to side as to permit the plate 64to rest directly on the press bed, while the tubular members 66 overlap the side edges thereof.

In Fig. 24, is shown a slightly modified form of the device, for assisting in bringing the address plates in exactly the proper position over the press bed 63, comprising the pivoted arms 240, pivoted at their lower ends on opposite sides of the press bed 63, as shown in said figure.

Extending upwardly from the arms 240 are-springs 241 having at their upper ends extensions 242 inclined rearwardly in the machine. Springs 243 normally hold the upper ends of the springs 241 just rearwardly of the press bed 63. Where the form of the device shown in Fig. 24 is used, the

extensions 242 enter the tubular members a 66 of the address plates, as the address plates move upwardly toward position on the press bed, and as the movement of the address plates continues, the springs 242, which are each provided with a coil 244, tend to yieldingly draw the plates snugly to position over the press bed. When the fingers 105 are moved away from the press bed, the springs 243 move the plates off the press bed.

Suitably mounted on the frame of the machine is a bracket 119, clearly shown in Fig. 4.

Pivoted to the upper end of the bracket 119 is a pawl 120, designed to normally stand in horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 4, and to be between the arms 104* when said arms 104 are in their raised position.

As the address plate, carried by the fingers 105, moves upwardly, the forward end of the pawl 120 is tilted upwardly somewhat. After the plate passes the pawl 120 in its movement upwardly and forwardly in the machine to position on the press bed 63. the forward end of the catch member 120 drops to position behind the plate.

When the arms 104 move downwardly, the

tension of the springs 118 quickly moves the downwardly by the fingers 105, and the plate drops into the curved receiving chute 121, shown in Fig. 4.

The chute 121 is so curved that when the plate reaches the bottom thereof, the flange will be downward, and the plate 64 will be inclined from said flange upwardly and toward the rear of the machine.

Adjacent to the left-hand end of the lower part of the chute 121, is a substantially horizontal channel formed by a fixed frame member 122, the slide bar 123, which is operatively connected with the slide bar 78, and by the fixed frame member 124. The channel extends from the lower end of the chute 212 toward the left in the machine to the lower end of the receiving magazine 56.

The slide bar 123 extends below and beyond the chute 121 in one position of the slide bar 123, and the slide bar 123 has mounted on its right-hand end an upwardly projecting bar 125, adapted to slide through the lower portion of the chute 121. In such sliding movement of the slide bar 123, and the bar 125, the end of the address plate in the bottom of the chute 112 is engaged and moved toward the left in the machine.

Vhen the address plate is pushed to the left, beyond the chute 121, it drops from its position shown in Fig. 12 to horizontal position, as shown for instance in Fig. 13,1esting in the bottom of the channel last described. The frame member 124 is provided with a. shoulder 126, which is designed to engage the right-hand end of the address plate, and prevent the movement of the address plate toward the right when the slide bar 123 reciprocates toward the right, after having carried the address plate from the chute 121 into the channel last described.

'The slide bar 123 is provided with a plurality of properly spaced upwardly extending catch members 127, each having an upper beveled surface 128, and at its left-hand end a vertical surface 129. As the slide bar 123 moves toward the right in the machine, the address plates slide over the catch members 127, but when the slide bar 123 moves toward the left in the machine, the catch members 127 engage the plates in the channel, and move them to the receiving magaz1ne.

Pivoted to the frame member 124 is a pawl 130, shown in Fig. 13, which during the movement of the address plates in said last described channel, toward the left rides over the plates, but is so located as to drop behind one of the tubular members 66. as shown in Fig. 13. for preventing the address plate nearest the receiving magazine from moving toward the right when the slide bar 123 moves toward the right.

At 'the lower end of the receiving maga- --z-i"n'e, said magazine is provided with a'flat bottom 131, connected with the rear wall of the magazine and having at its front end an upwardly extending flange 132. The bottom 131 is narrower from side to side than the receiving magazine, and than the length of the total length of the address plates.

The side walls of the receiving magazine 56 are provided with notches or openings 133 at their lower ends to permit the address plates to slide over the channel and slide to the receiving magazine on to the bottom 131.

On the rear of the receiving magazine 56 is pivoted an arm 134, normally extending downwardly and forwardly in the machine.

At the lower end of the arm 134, is an extension 134 normally extending h0rizontally forwardly in the machine and having at its forward end an upward extension 134 at the upper end of which is formed a horizontal member or bar 134. ends of the bar 134 are upwardly extending fingers 135.

Mounted on the shaft 31 is an eccentric 136 on which travels a band 137 to which is secured an arm 138 pivoted to the arm 134.

The rotation of the shaft 31 causes reciprocation of the arm 134, thereby causing the fingers 135 to move upwardly past the ends of the bottom member 131 and then downwardly.

The upward movement of thefingers 135 brings them into engagement with the ends of the address plate resting on the bottom 131 and pushes said address plate upwardly into the receiving magazine 56.

At the sides of the receiving magazine 56 are pivoted catch levers 139 having at their lower ends lugs 140 extending into the receiving magazine through the sides thereof.

Springs 141 normally tend to hold the members 140 within the magazine but to permit them to be pushed out.

The lower edges of the members 140 are beveled, so that as the address plates are pushed upwardly into the receiving magazine. the members 140 are pushed upwardly and as soon as the address plate clears the members 140 in its upward movement, the members 140 spring back into the magazine. and prevents the address plate from dropping downwardly. A

The fingers 135 are so arranged with relation to the members 140 as not to interfere therewith.

It will be noticed in this connection that the mechanism for handling the address plates is such that the feeding and receiving magazines may be arranged side by side in their forward position for transferring the plates from the receiving magazine to the feeding magazine. Such mechanism is so arranged that the plates arefed into the receiving magazine in what may be called their inverted position, and in the On the same Way in which they were discharged from the feed magazine, so that the operator may simply grasp a tier of plates and slide them upwardly from the receiving magazine, invert the whole tier and insert them in the top of the feed magazine. The fronts of the magazines are open to permit access by the fingers of the operator to the plates in the magazines.

The arrangement just mentioned afi'ords proper facilities for obtaining maximum speed in handling the address plates.

The main frame of the machine is provided at its forward end with brackets 144 for supporting a roller or the like 145 on which is a roll of paper 146. The paper 146 is threaded over rollers 148, 149 and 150, and thence longitudinally in the machine above the press bed 63 and the type form 58, and is connected at its opposlte end with suitable mechanism not here shown, but which may be similar to that shown in my previous Patent Number 1,076,613, issuedOct. 21, 1913. The carriage 37, hereinbefore mentioned is provided with a gear 151, shown by dotted lines in Fig. 6, and in itself forming no part of my present invention, which meshes with a rack 152 on the track 36, hereinbefore referred to.

It will be understood that one of the improved features of my machine is the use of the address plates for printing an address and salutation as a part of a form letter, and at another time the use of the same address plates for printing the address only on envelops, wrappers or the like. For accomplishing this purpose, I provide the address plates hereinbefore described, which address plates are provided with indicating characters 153 for an address, and indicating characters 154 for a salutation. It is, of course, understood that the indicating characters mentioned, may be such as to convey any desired information.

Before proceeding with the description of the mechanism for printing addresses only on envelops, I will explain briefly the practical operation of the machine for printing an address and salutation as a part of a form letter, thereby illustrating the use of the part of the machine which has already been'de scribed.

' In the practical use of my improved machine, the address plates are put in the feed magazine, as hereinbefore described, with the tubular members downward and with the flanges at the rear of the plate, as shown in Fig. 7.

The paper is threaded through the machine, it being understood that sultable'operating means is provided. The machine is V started and the rotation of the shaft 31 will cause reciprocation of the arms thereby v-;' e'ausi'n gthe fingers 72 to kick out the lower -l in h feed ,magazine to the position shown in Fig. 7, where the lower plate will drop downwardly into the channel leading from the feed magazine, upon the shoulder 82, shown in Fig. 9. The rotation of the shaft 31 will rotate the gear 89 and the shaft 90, thereby rotating the eccentric 91, and re ciprocating the arm 95 and the arm 94 connected therewith for imparting rocking movement to the shaft 93. 1

The shaft 93 will reciprocate the arm 96 which will in turn through the arm 97'-impart reciprocatory movement to the slide bar 78. The slide bar 78, by means of the brackets 7 8f, imparts sliding movement to the bar 81, first toward the right in the machine. During its movement, the shoulder 82 will carry the first address plate past the lefthand member 88, which will prevent any movement of said address plate toward the left during the return movement of the member 81.

On the next movement of the member 81 toward the right, the second address plate will engage the first address plate, and move it farther toward the right. When the first address plate reaches the right-hand limit of its movement, it will be passed on to the member 99 with its lower portion resting on the fingers 105, and with the tubular members 66 in line with the pins 107.

At this time in the operation of the machine, the arms 104 will be operated by means of the shaft 31, the cam 108, the lever 101, the link 111, for moving the finger 105 upwardly and toward the press bed 63. .During the first part of the upward movement of the finger 105, said fingers will slide under the address plate until the pin 107 enters the tubular members 66. The address plate will be carried upwardly past the catch member 120, which slides over the address plate, until the members 117 enter the opposite ends of the tubular members 66, whereby the address plate is snugly drawn to position resting on the press bed 63.

The arm 40 will then be reciprocated through the mechanism hereinbefore described, for moving the carriage 37 for affecting the printing operation. It will be understood by this printing operation a complete letter may be printed, the body of the letter being printed from the form 58. and the address and salutation from the address plate.

The carriage then moves forwardly in the machine away from the press bed 63, and the arms 104 move downwardly. The pawl 120 prevents the address plate from moving downwardly with the fingers 105. The arms 117 move the address plate off the press bed 63, and permit it to drop into the curved chute 121.

The slide bar 123 thereupon moves toward the left in the machine during which movement the bar 125 engages the right-hand end of the address plate, which has just been used in printing. moving it toward the left in the machine, until it passes out the chute 212, and drops into the channel formed by the members 122 and 124, and the slide bar 123, and in such position that the shoulder 126 prevents movement of the address plates toward the right, during the return movement of the slide bar The address plates are thus carried toward the receiving magazine, and when a plate reaches and rests upon the bottom 131, the arm 13% is reeiprocated by means of the shaft 31, the eccentric 136, the band 137, and the arm 138 for causing the finger 135 to move upwardly for shoving the address plate on the bottom 131 upwardly into the receiving magazine. The plates are prevented from dropping out of the receiving magazine by the members 110 on the arms 139.

In this connection it may be mentioned that if it should be so desired, the mechanism hereinbefore described'may be used for printing addresses only on envelops fed by hand or otherwise, or even on'the paper 146 by simply pasting across the platen roller 38 a strip of paper at such a place that when the platen roller is rolled over the address plate for printing, said strip of paper will come just above the address characters onthe address plate. 011 account of the fact that the roller is geared for accurate movement by means of the gear 151 and the rack 152, the paper on the roller will always come to the same place above the address plate. The roller has the ordinary adjusting mechanism 37, shown in Fig. 1, which in itself forms no part of my invention, whereby it may be slightly raised or lowered.

It should be mentioned in this connection that by sliding the auxiliary frame, which supports the address handling mechanism, laterally in the machine, by means of the hand wheel 62 and the parts connected therewith, shown in Figs. 3 and 6, the impression of the; address plate may be made at different places on the paper with relation to the edges thereof, whereby the margin between the printed address and the edge of the paper may be varied according to the wish of the operator.

I shall now describe the mechanism for autoi'natically feeding envelops for printing them from the address plates.

For this purpose the carriage 37 is removed and the roll of paper is removed from the machine.

The envelop handling mechanism is. supported upon an auxiliary frame 155, a portion of which rests upon the base of the main frame. as shown at the right-hand portion of Fig. 3, and a portion of which extends upwardly and over the main frame toward the front thereof, and is supported in the bearings 156 from which the rollers 118 and 150 are removed when the envelop handling mechanism is in use.

' The latter portion'of the frame for supporting the envelop handling mechanism has two longitudinally arranged, transversely spaced, inwardly opening channels 157. Suitably supported on the frame members 157 is an envelop holding magazine comprising four upright corner members. The tWO forward members are indicated by the reference cha 'acter 158, and the rear corner members by the reference character 159, preferably of angle iron.

The envelop magazine members 158 are mounted or secured to brackets 160, which in turn are slidably mounted on a transverse shaft 161 mounted in the frame members 157.

The. brackets 161 are locked in place by means of set screws 162, shown in Fig. 15. By loosening the set screws 162, the magazine members 158 may be slid longitudinally of the shaft 162 for regulating the position of the members 158 for adjusting the magazine to fit envelops of different length.

The magazine. members 159 are mounted for adjustment longitudinally of the main frame, and also for adjustment laterally of the main machine.

Secured to the walls of the magazine members 159 on the sides thereof away from the members 158 are guide members 163 in which is supported a transverse frame 161, comprising a rearwardly opening channel.

Set screws 165 are mounted in the guide members 163 against the frame member. 164, and by loosening the set screws 165, the members 159 may be adjusted laterally of the machine. I

The upper flange of the frame member 161 is provided with a portion which extends over and rests upon the frame members 157, as indicated at 166.

- Adjacent to the lower flange of the frame member 161 and extending to position'engaging the lower surface of the frame members 157 is a transverse bar 167. Bolts 168 extend through the flanges of the frame member 161, and the bar 167 and are adapt-- ed to be screwed into the bar 167 for gripping the frame members 157 between the portions 166 of the member 154, and the bar 167. By loosening the bolts 168, the frame member 164 may be adjusted longitudinally of the machine for regulating the distance between the respective magazine members 158 and the magazine member 159.

Mounted on the track members 36. hereinbefore referred to is a carriage adapted to reciprocate longitudinally of the machine, comprising members 169 havmg generally the form of a downwardly opening channel-shaped member placed on respective members 36. The outer flange of each member 69 carries a roller 170 adapted to travel on the outside of the respective members 36, and below the upper flanges thereof, as shown in Fig. 18.

The inner flange of each member 169 travels close to the inner surface of the track member 36.

Supported by the lower portion of the inner flanges of the members 169 is a comparatively large plate 171, having a suitable opening 172, designed in one position of the travel of the carriage now being described, to register with the press bed 63.

Arranged longitudinally of the machine on the upper surface of the plate 171 are spaced strips 173 having extending upwardly rubber tips or lugs 174. For reciprocating the envelop handling carriage, just described, the following mechanism is provided.

Suitably supported by the frame 155 is a short, transverse shaft 175, on which is a gear 176, which meshes with the gear 30 when the envelop handling mechanism is in position on the machine.

On the shaft 175 is fixed an arm 177 to which is pivoted a link 178. Pivoted at one end on the frame 155 is a lever 179. The

link 178 is centrally pivoted to the lever 17 9.

The lever 179 extends upwardly from its pivot point in the machine, and at its upper end is pivotally and adjustably connected at one end with a rod 180. The other end of i the rod 180 is pivotally and adjustably connected with one of the carriage n'iembers 169, as shown in Fig. 2.

The rotation of the shaft 31 imparts rotation to the gears 30, and 176, the shaft 175,

and the arms 177, thereby imparting reciprocating motion to the link 178, the lever 177 and the rod 180, for sliding the carriage having the members 169 back and forth in the machine.

Secured to the lower ends of the envelop magazine members 159, and extending to position within said members, are forwardly extending fingers 181, as illustrated in Fig. 16. The fingers 181 extend above the plate 171, a sufiicient distance to permit an en velop to rest on said plate and slide freely beneath said fingers 181.

The lower ends of the magazine members 158 are spaced above the plate 171, and the strips 173, and lugs 174 a sufficient distance to allow one envelop to slide out beneath the lower ends of said magazine members. When a pile of envelops 182 are placed in the envelop magazine, the forward edge of the lowermost envelop will rest on the lugs 174, while the rear edge of said envelop will rest on the fingers 181 as illustrated in Fig. 16.

When the plate 171 is moved forwardly in the machine, by means of the mechanism hereinbefore described, the rubber lugs 174 will carry with them the lowermost enthe bottom of the pile in Fig. 16, just'after it has left the envelop magazine.

Pivoted to the frame members 157 at the forward end of the machine are two spaced supporting arms 183, having at their lower ends extensions 184 adapted, to engage the lower surface of the transverse frame member 185 forming part of the second auxiliary frame, for imparting a downward movement on the forward ends of the arms 183. The arms 183 extend rearwardly in the machine. The arms 183 have pins 185, which extend forwardly in the machine, and slide through the frame member 185, as shown in Fig. 3.

Mounted on the pins 185 between the frame member 185 and the shoulders 186, formed on the arms 183, are coil springs 187,

which tend to yieldingly hold the rearward heads 188, through which are extended shafts 189. On each shaft 189, on opposite sides of the head 188 in which said shafts are mounted, are rollers 190, adapted to travel on the plate 171.

Formed in each head 188 is a guide-way 191 for a vertically, slidable bar 192, which extends rearwardly beyond the guideway 191.

Mounted in each head 188 is a set screw 193, the head of which enters a slot 194 in the adjacent bar 192.

By screwing the screw 193 up and down, the bar 192 may be adjusted vertically.

The parts just described, are so arranged, that the bars 192 extend between the magazine members in such position as to engage the edges of the envelops 182, as shown in Fig. 16.

As the plate 171 is moved toward the forward end of the machine, the rubber lugs 174 will engage the lower envelop 182 for moving that envelop slightly toward the forward end of the machine until its rear- .ij wa-rd edge clears the fingers 181.

The lower end of each bar 192 is formed with a notch 194 to permit the lower. envelop to be slipped a short distance toward the front of the machine, so that when the plate 171 moves toward the forward end of the machine, the lower envelop will be moved to position with its lower edge received in said notch, as illustrated in Fig. 16.

'The strips 173 are provided with suitable points with slightly raised portions 195*, which are shown in somewhat exaggerated form in Fig. 16 with sharp hook members 196 just forwardly of said portions 193.

On the forward movement of the machine, the plate 171 moves to position where the hook members 196 ust clear the forward edge of the lower-most envelop. It will be seen that when the return movement of the plate 177 toward the rear end of the machine begins, the forward edge of the envelop will be engaged 'by the hooks 196, whereas the portion of the envelop just rearwardly of its forward edge will be raised somewhat by the raised portion 193, and will assume in general the position shown in the illustration of the right-hand envelop in Fig. 16.

The raised portion of the envelop will engage the envelops in the magazine, andrprevent the hook members 196 from interfering with the envelops remaining in the the forward edge of the envelop carried by the hook members 196, and between the hook members 196, so that when the plate 171 again moves forwardly in the machine, the pawl 198 will prevent the forward movement of the envelop which has been carried rearwardly in the machine.

Just before the envelop leaves the hook members 196 it will have been positioned over the openings 172 and above the press bed 63, and just before it leaves said hook members 196, the printing operation takes place.

Mounted on the frame members 157 are adjustable bearings 200, in which is supported a transverse shaft 201.

Fixed to the shaft- 201 between the members 157 are spaced. parallel arms 202, pivoted to which are downwardly extending links 203, which at their lower ends are pivoted to frame members 205. The frame 205 carries the platen 206. For causing the platen 206 to reciprocate vertically when the shaft 201 is rocked,.to reciprocate the arms 202 the following means have been provided.

Rearwardly in the machine from the frame 205 are two vertically spaced transverse shaft members 207 and 208.

Pivoted to the shaft 208 are spaced forwardly extending arms 209 which are pivoted to theframe 205 at points above the pivot points, where the lower ends of the links 203 are pivoted to said frame.

Pivoted to the shaft 208 are forwardly extending arms210, which are pivoted to the frame 205 at points below the pivot points of the arms 203 on the frame 205.

For rocking the shaft 201, the following means have been provided.

On the shaft 175 is a cam 211. Pivotally mounted on the frame near the cam 211 is a plate 212, shown in Figs. 2 and 3 of substantially triangular shape, having at its free lower corner a roller 213, adapted to engage and travel against the surface of the cam 211.

Pivoted to the plate 212 is an upwardly extending link, 214, the upper end of which is pivoted to an arm 215 fixed on a transverse shaft 216.

On the shaft 216 is an upwardly extending arm 217, the upper end of which is adjustably pivoted to a rearwardly extending rod 218.

On the shaft 201 is fixed an arm 219, to which is adj ustably pivoted the forward end of the rod 218.

The parts are so constructed and arranged that the rotation of the shaft 175 and the cam 211, reciprocates the plate 212 for imparting rocking motion to the shaft 216 by means of the link 214 and the line 215, and thereby imparts rocking motion to the shaft 201 by means of the arm 217, the rod 218, p

and the arm 219.

The rocking of the shaft 201 imp-arts reciprocating movement to the frame 205 and said movement is made vertical, on account of the arrangement of the arms or links 209 and 210. a I

The platen 206 is held by a bracket 220, which is transversely adjustable in the machine, and is adjustably fixed on the frame 205 by means of a set screw 221, shown in Fig. 3.

The platen is made transversely adjustable in the machine for permitting the printing to be done in any of the adjusted positions of the press bed 63, which it will be remembered is transversely adjustable with the second auxiliary frame above mentioned,. to wit, the frame which'supports the address plate handling mechanism.

After the envelop has been printed, the plate 171 moves forwardly in the machine, but the envelop which has been printed is held against such forward movement by means of the pawl 198. When the plate 171 again moves rearwardly, the envelop which has been printed will be carried rearwardly with said plate 171, until the forward edge of the envelop which has been printed, drops behind a flat pawl 222, which is pivotally supported on a shaft 207, and which swings freely above the plate 171.

The last described movement of the printed envelop drops on to a movable platform 223, shown in Figs. 3 and 15. The platform 223 is pivoted on a shaft 224, and is designed to reciprocate for throwing the printed envelop over into a receiving chute, which will be hereinafter described.

The mechanism for reciprocating the platform 223 comprisesa plate 225 pivoted on the fraine of a machine and having a portion or member adapted to engage the cam 226 on 

